- India
- International
The writer taught political science at Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, and is chief editor of 'Studies in Indian Politics'.
June 24,2024 08:15:27 AM
Some formal bonhomie is likely. But, in realm of actual policies and use of state power, a substantive change is unlikely.
Mon, Jun 24, 2024June 04,2024 18:45:23 PM
With a truncated strength of the BJP, the politics of isolating it may gain momentum but the critical question is whether the non-BJP parties — in Opposition or in power — have the energy and will to attack the BJP on a front where it is far too strong
Thu, Jun 06, 2024May 27,2024 08:00:18 AM
When the campaign began, the competition appeared to be favouring the incumbent. As it closes, the central question that has arisen is whether the north will unsettle the BJP.
Thu, May 30, 2024May 17,2024 18:48:22 PM
It is explained by the differentiated manner in which it presents itself to various sections
Sat, May 18, 2024May 11,2024 14:22:06 PM
The Rajiv I knew, is a partisan but spirited, well-documented account of Rajiv Gandhi's time as the prime minister and subsequently for a brief period also as the opposition leader though it doesn’t answer the question from the subtitle: And why he was the most misunderstood prime minister.
Sun, May 12, 2024May 03,2024 12:00:26 PM
The party has emerged as a major player not merely due to the vagaries of competitive politics but equally — perhaps more — due to the restructuring of social relations and an intellectually violent encounter with tradition
Sat, May 04, 2024April 18,2024 07:38:47 AM
BJP might be boasting of its smartness. It may also believe that the road to its success goes via the disruption of the pre-existing patterns of competition in the state. But recent developments in Maharashtra have thrown the state into a social and political mess.
Thu, Apr 18, 2024March 24,2024 14:00:06 PM
A regime that has systematically dismantled the edifice of democracy is busy shaping a new public sensibility about what democracy means. In this new understanding, a visionary leader can get away with anything and all opposition is characterised as seditious
Wed, Mar 27, 2024February 26,2024 08:00:53 AM
Ahead of elections, its failure to understand long-term threat to its existence ensures a loss in short term as well
Mon, Feb 26, 2024February 15,2024 06:59:37 AM
Emergence of a new intellectual ‘echo system’ ratifies this. Now, we may experience the actual practice of this idea of majoritarian democracy — where differences are excluded
Thu, Feb 15, 2024January 23,2024 07:00:49 AM
Leave the courts out of this. What does the temple in Ayodhya mean for someone who is persuaded by the aura of the New Ram?
Wed, Jan 24, 2024December 03,2023 19:40:14 PM
Modi’s persona dominated BJP’s campaign and the party did not project any leader as its CM candidate in these states – that did not affect its chances rather enhanced its prospects
Tue, Dec 05, 2023October 20,2023 07:17:20 AM
Counting caste will be a pseudo-radical gesture unless coupled with fundamental shifts in social justice policy
Fri, Oct 20, 2023September 26,2023 07:55:46 AM
While the BJP itself is on a sticky wicket, the Opposition does not have a clear stand that will satisfy both the requirement of uniformity of core principles of the Constitution and the religio-cultural diversity of the country. So, it remains stuck in the game of waiting for the government to make a move
Tue, Sep 26, 2023September 13,2023 05:25:22 AM
A fragmented Maratha politics combined with an irresponsible political establishment and an economic crisis to produce this Maharashtra moment
Wed, Sep 13, 2023September 05,2023 07:45:46 AM
It's part of the checks and balances that a democracy should cherish in times when executive arbitrariness is increasing globally
Tue, Sep 05, 2023August 11,2023 15:10:09 PM
Besides routinely discarding procedures, it betrays cynicism about all forms of accountability
Sat, Aug 12, 2023July 19,2023 19:28:59 PM
While the BJP would want to bank on a pan-Indian face and platform, the Opposition should know that even today, state-level contests make and unmake national politics. Therefore, it will be necessary to bring on board parties that have kept away from the current unity efforts
Thu, Jul 20, 2023July 03,2023 17:37:37 PM
For benefits to accrue and political competition to become apparent to the voter, some more thrilling intrigues could be needed. The course of the state’s politics could well depend on the party — and leader — who can craft such intrigues
Wed, Jul 05, 2023June 06,2023 07:00:39 AM
Beyond the NCR and parts of Haryana, apart from a few token marches, public conscience is not stirred. Beyond formal visits to the venue of the protests, most political parties do not find this issue worthy of engaging on a sustained basis. All this indicates the fragility of our nationhood
Tue, Jun 06, 2023May 30,2023 06:52:21 AM
Several administrative setbacks have marked the central government's nine years in office. That none of them has extracted a political cost requires deeper questioning.
Tue, May 30, 2023May 15,2023 17:59:33 PM
BJP defeat shows party's vulnerability. But does it also show society's willingness to welcome a challenge to Hindutva?
Tue, May 16, 2023May 04,2023 06:40:59 AM
Suhas Palshikar writes: Today, limits are being set on what is an acceptable question, minor events are celebrated, critical incidents sought to be erased.
Thu, May 04, 2023March 24,2023 17:57:04 PM
Suhas Palshikar writes: To ignore Rahul Gandhi would mean conceding space to him and to a counter-ideology. But to continue to target Rahul can only lead to expanding the space he can occupy
Sat, Mar 25, 2023February 28,2023 18:31:19 PM
Party is holding together under Rahul Gandhi with a new stature. But there is still no clarity on forging coalitions, or an action programme for political mobilisation
Wed, Mar 01, 2023